ViperBots FIRST Programs

ViperBots Robotics competes in two divisions of FIRST, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). Each program has its own team structure, competition requirements, competition dates, and technical requirements. Both programs are Varsity-level UIL Robotics. 

If you will be applying as a Senior, you will only be considered for the FTC program. The FRC program is only available to rookies that will be in grades 9-11 for the upcoming season. 

FTC – FIRST Tech Challenge

The FTC program is focused on design, CAD, and the engineering process.  The game reveal is on September 6, 2025, and the season will last through the end of April.  FTC members are encouraged to enroll in the FTC Technology Applications class to receive additional build time and receive the proper training in shop use, CAD, design and engineering principles. 

ALL FTC members are required to actively participate in FTC robotics, even while participating in other extra-curricular activities.  “Actively participate” means that FTC ViperBots will attend all required scheduled meetings and build sessions as set by the team and FTC Lead Advisor.  FTC ViperBots that do not meet the minimum requirement for active participation will be placed on a disciplinary contract and/or dismissed from the ViperBots Robotics program.

We understand that unavoidable conflicts may arise during the season.  We expect our ViperBots to communicate conflicts in advance with the advisors of both organizations so that we can reach a compromise that is in the best interest of both organizations and the student.

PLEASE NOTE:

All rookie FTC members are REQUIRED to attend all days, the whole time, during Training Camp 5/26 - 5/30 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

FRC – FIRST Robotics Challenge

The FRC program is heavily focused on design, CAD, fabrication, and coding.  The training season will begin the first week of school with practices on Monday and Wednesday, 4pm-7pm, and run through the week of Finals in December. The competition season will begin January 3, 2026, with the game reveal, and will last through the end of April (FIRST World Championship).  FRC practices in the Spring semester on Monday and Wednesdays 4pm-8pm, Fridays 4pm-10pm, and Saturdays 9am-6pm. Families take turns providing meals for Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. 

FRC members will not be excused to miss FRC practice or FRC competitions due to conflicts with other extracurricular activities. Exceptions will only be made if potential or known conflicts are communicated to the FRC Lead Advisor AND the FRC Head Coach prior to the start of the January competition season and the absence request does not hinder design, production, manufacturing, programming, drive practice, or competition.

Even though the competition season does not begin until January, students are expected to participate in all training practices in the Fall semester. There will also be two off-season events that are optional for students to participate in during the Summer and Fall semester. The off-season FRC events incur a separate fee to cover travel, lodging and food. 

FRC students should enroll in the FRC Technology Applications class to receive additional training in shop use, CAD, design and engineering principles for the Fall and access to working in the Spring for their sub-team. Exact requirements for the FRC Technology Applications class will be discussed at the REQUIRED FRC parent/student meeting once selections have been made.

PLEASE NOTE:

All rookie FRC members are REQUIRED to attend all days, the whole time, during Training Camp 5/26 - 5/30 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.